By 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be an estimated 274,000 jobs related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in Michigan. The concern that Bosch and others have is: Will the next-generation workforce be ready to move into these jobs?

To demonstrate its commitment to helping prepare students for these jobs, the Bosch Community Fund (BCF) recently announced $35,000 in grants to Detroit Public Schools. These grants include awards to 26 Detroit Public Schools teachers, representing 25 projects, as part of its Bosch Energy, Science and Technology (BEST) grant program. These grants will support teachers who have developed an innovative curriculum that promotes STEM and energy education.

In addition, the BCF is providing a $10,000 grant to support DPS’s Go Green Challenge. The Go Green Challenge is a voluntary program that encourages school Green Teams to engage in a wide range of sustainability initiatives in energy and water conservation; resource use and recycling; and gardens and nutrition. Sixty-two DPS schools are competing to earn prizes and cash awards.

“STEM education is imperative to Michigan and the nation’s future economic growth,” said Kathleen Owsley, executive director, Bosch Community Fund.

“Bosch seeks to support schools that promote STEM, in ways that foster excitement among students for these fields. Only about 26 percent of Michigan high school students are interested in STEM, according to STEMConnector.org,” she said.

“The more we can do to provide resources to schools, the greater the opportunity teachers will have to make a positive impact on students’ curiosity. We want students to understand the types of high-tech, good-paying jobs these fields offer. We were impressed with the innovative ideas submitted by the teachers and look forward to positive results from the work that they will do with their students,” Owsley said.

This year’s grants support teacher-submitted projects that range from building a remotely operated vehicle that can function in a submarine environment to creating a robotics program for elementary school students to erecting a rainwater irrigation system for rooftop gardens. Teachers from the following schools will receive funds toward their project:

Detroit Institute of Technology College Prep High School at Cody – Chad Segrist

Communication and Media Arts High School – Sharon Tuinukaufe

Renaissance High School – Kerry Williams

The BEST program began as a way to encourage and develop student learning about science, technology and the environment. Teachers are asked to submit a project proposal that outlines their goals and objectives, and the impact it will have on the school, their students and/or community, in both the short and long term. The winners are chosen by a committee of community members and Bosch associates. BEST was founded under the Bosch Community Fund, which grants up to $3 million annually, providing further support for charitable and community efforts within the U.S., with a focus on science, technology and environmental initiatives.

About Bosch:

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In fiscal 2012, its roughly 306,000 associates generated sales of $67.5 billion. Since the beginning of 2013, its operations have been divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent some $6.1 billion for research and development in 2012, and applied for nearly 4,800 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” Additional information is available online athttp://www.bosch.com and http://www.bosch-press.com.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket solutions, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs nearly 24,600 associates in more than 100 locations, with consolidated sales of $10.6 billion in fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit http://www.boschusa.com, http://www.bosch.com.mx and http://www.bosch.ca.

About the Bosch Community Fund:

The Bosch Community Fund, a U.S.-based foundation established in September 2011, awards up to $3 million annually in grants and contributions to various 501(c) (3) organizations and educational institutions. The BCF focuses primarily on the enrichment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.